Sociodemographic determinants of intertrochanteric hip fractures in older adults: Evidence from a six-year retrospective study in an Ecuadorian hospital - Report - MDSpire
Advertisement
Sociodemographic determinants of intertrochanteric hip fractures in older adults: Evidence from a six-year retrospective study in an Ecuadorian hospital
Sociodemographic Factors Influencing Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures in Elderly Patients
Overview
This six-year retrospective study of 216 elderly patients with intertrochanteric hip fractures found that most patients were older women who sustained fractures from low-energy falls. The majority of fractures were unstable and treated primarily with cephalomedullary nailing, with low in-hospital mortality observed.
Background
Intertrochanteric hip fractures represent a significant cause of morbidity, functional dependence, and mortality among older adults. Understanding the epidemiological profile and clinical outcomes of these fractures can guide treatment and prevention strategies. This study analyzed patients aged 65 years and older treated at a referral center in Ecuador over six years. The findings align with international data on fracture patterns and management approaches.
Data Highlights
Characteristic
Value
Number of patients
216
Female patients
65.7%
Oldest-old subgroup (≥85 years)
50%
Mechanism of injury
Fall from standing height (predominant)
Unstable Tronzo fracture patterns
67.1%
Primary surgical treatment
Cephalomedullary nailing (~88%)
Median preoperative hospital stay
5 days
Total hospital stay
8 days
In-hospital mortality
2.3%
Key Findings
Majority of patients were women (65.7%) and half belonged to the oldest-old subgroup (≥85 years).
Falls from standing height were the predominant injury mechanism.
Unstable Tronzo fracture patterns accounted for 67.1% of cases.
Cephalomedullary nailing was the primary surgical intervention in approximately 88% of patients.
The median preoperative hospital stay was 5 days, with a total hospital stay of 8 days.
In-hospital mortality was low at 2.3%.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should be aware that intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients frequently occur in older women after low-energy falls and often present as unstable fracture patterns. Prompt surgical management with cephalomedullary nailing is effective and associated with low in-hospital mortality. Efforts to optimize preoperative timelines and implement fall prevention strategies are essential to improve patient outcomes.
Conclusion
Intertrochanteric fractures predominantly affect older women following low-energy falls and are mainly unstable patterns treated successfully with intramedullary fixation. Enhancing preoperative care and preventive measures is crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality in this population.
References
Sociodemographic Factors Influencing Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures in Elderly Patients: Findings from a Six-Year Retrospective Analysis at an Ecuadorian Medical Facility
